Articles tagged with Medical Economics
Suicide rates among US adults aged 40-64 have increased by 40% since 1999, with a sharp rise since 2007. Economic factors such as job loss, bankruptcy, and foreclosure are being identified as contributing to this trend.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more impacted by illness than men, unless multiple symptoms are present. Women with specific personality types, such as high agreeableness or low conscientiousness, may experience less impact from mental illness due to their social networks and coping mechanisms.
A long-term analysis of 63 countries between 2000 and 2011 found that unemployment is associated with a 20-30% increased risk of suicide. The study estimates that about 45,000 suicides are linked to unemployment annually.
A new study reveals that higher spending on emergency care produces lower mortality rates and improved patient outcomes. The research analyzed ambulance-dispatch patterns in New York state to compare the treatment received by patients at different hospitals.
A new study found a significant link between austerity measures and sharp increases in Greek suicides, particularly among men. The analysis, which covered the period from 1983 to 2012, showed that men experienced a sustained 13% increase in suicide beginning in October 2008.
A 30-year study found that suicides in Greece increased sharply after the government introduced austerity measures in June 2011, with a total of 11,505 deaths over the period. The introduction of austerity led to a significant rise in male suicides, while female suicides also surged during this time.
A study in Albania found that traditional communities' understanding of local plants is crucial for their well-being. The researchers recorded 418 plant uses, highlighting the overlap between cultures and the importance of preserving this knowledge for science and community improvement.
A new MIT study analyzes residency compensation using demand analysis, finding residents accept lower wages for experience and prestige. The study suggests salaries may remain low unless residency programs increase the number of positions available.
A team of scientists has discovered potent natural compounds in plants that can counteract the action of juvenile hormone in insects, making them effective against mosquitoes and other pests. The newly identified compounds could lead to the development of a new class of safe and effective pesticides.
A Brigham Young University study found that switching recess before lunch increases fruit and vegetable consumption in children by 54%. This simple, no-cost trick has the potential to improve long-term health effects and make school meal programs more successful.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that higher alcohol taxes strongly protect against binge drinking. The study showed a significant decrease in binge drinking rates with a one-percent increase in tax, associated with a 1.4 percent reduction in the proportion of adults who binge drink.
The article highlights the persistent health gap between whites and blacks, despite improvements in care access. Effective strategies for closing this gap include reporting clinical performance data by race, offering tailored interventions, and creating risk-adjusted scores.
A new study from the University of Guelph analyzed over 7,000 home and farm sales in Ontario and found that wind farms have no statistically significant impact on property values. The research used a unique method to capture property value fluctuations before, during, and after wind farm development.
A new study from the University of Florida and Northwestern University found that children with higher birth weights perform better in school, regardless of family background. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.6 million children, suggests that early health struggles may play a significant role in educational outcomes.
Researchers divert a Chinese river to mitigate environmental disasters and propose an integrated approach to manage water resources, ecological health, and economic development. This study provides a potential model for sustainable development of other inland river basins.
An international team of researchers identified 20 real or perceived barriers to public health data-sharing, classifying them into six categories. The team proposes creating a treaty for global data-sharing and commissioning a body to monitor and facilitate data exchange.
A recent study found that nearly half of smokers in the UK's Royal Castle FagEnds study used e-cigarettes to help quit. Many viewed e-cigarettes as a less effective alternative to traditional quitting methods, and some were misinformed about their risks.
A Brunel University study found that people are more likely to drop swimming if faced with higher prices, with a 29% decrease in activity. In contrast, other forms of exercise such as working out and brisk walking show minimal impact, suggesting targeted subsidies could boost participation.
A study found that more competition among physicians is associated with lower prices paid to them for common office visits. The research, published in JAMA, analyzed data from 1,058 US counties and found that less competition was linked to higher prices.
The series examines four distinct phases in Latin American countries' history of health system reform and universal coverage. It highlights the importance of social determinants, intersectoral action, and solidarity-based financing schemes to achieve universal health coverage.
A comprehensive systematic review found higher levels of multimorbidity in women, with older women suffering from multiple conditions up to 62% more than men. The study highlights the poor quality of evidence on this critical area of healthcare and emphasizes the need for better research.
A recent study found that nearly 80% of low-income adults in three Southern states support Medicaid expansion, with two-thirds planning to apply for the program. The study also revealed that favorable views toward Medicaid were most common among racial and ethnic minorities, people with less education and lower income.
NJIT has been awarded a $5.67 million grant from the Department of Defense to support New Jersey's defense industry. The project, known as MarketShift, aims to help companies develop new products for existing markets and expand into non-defense markets.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) outperform other primary care practices in granting new patient appointments to Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. FQHCs also provide lower-cost visits, with nearly 70% offering such services for $100 or less.
The Gerontological Society of America and New America Media have selected 19 journalists to cover aging issues, including elder abuse, financial security, and mental health. The fellows will convene during the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting and develop major aging-focused stories or series.
New research finds that 50% of under-five child mortality reduction is due to high-impact health interventions, while the remaining 50% is attributed to factors outside the health sector. Successful countries deployed tailored strategies to address immediate needs, work towards long-term visions, and adapt quickly to change.
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin finds that adolescent girls from economically disadvantaged families are more likely to become overweight or obese in adulthood. The research highlights the long-lasting consequences of economic hardship in childhood for obesity risk and social disadvantage in adulthood.
Research by the University of East Anglia found that walking and cycling to work improves mental health and wellbeing. Commuters who switched from driving to active transport reported improved concentration, reduced stress, and better psychological wellbeing.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of older adults (18 million) struggle with daily activities, with 20% requiring assistance. The majority receive help from informal caregivers, but unmet needs persist, particularly among those with few economic resources.
A team of researchers at the University of Calgary has discovered a new mechanism that can reverse chronic pain conditions. They found that interfering with the communication between a specific enzyme and calcium channels in nerve cells can shut off pain signals.
A new University of Akron study reveals that increased workloads and less satisfying job duties during the Great Recession had little direct effect on the health of workers who survived job cuts. Instead, these workers were already accustomed to coping with stressful environments.
A University of Michigan study reveals that over half of US hospitals missed the electronic health record deadline, potentially leading to significant financial penalties. The study found that rural and small hospitals are lagging behind in adopting digital medical records.
Madonna Harrington Meyer, Anja K. Leist, Philipp Hessel, and Mauricio Avendano receive the Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Awards for their groundbreaking work on the complex family dynamics of the 21st century and life-course influences on later-life cognitive function.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection affects both men and women, leading to genital warts and various types of cancer. Vaccinating boys against HPV can prevent these health issues and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that premature newborns are 32% less likely to die if admitted to high volume neonatal units compared to low volume units. High volume units provide more experience and resources for clinicians, leading to better clinical outcomes for vulnerable infants.
A long-term follow-up study found that bariatric surgery resulted in more frequent diabetes remission and fewer complications compared to usual care. The study showed a significant decrease in microvascular and macrovascular complications.
A new study shows that walking 6,000 or more steps per day can reduce the risk of functional limitation associated with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers found that walking just 1,000 extra steps daily reduces incident functional limitation by 16-18% two years later.
A long-term follow-up of obese patients with type 2 diabetes shows that bariatric surgery leads to more frequent diabetes remission. The study found that bariatric surgery results in a lower incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications compared to usual care.
Researchers found that health issues and relationship changes have a major effect on the economic well-being of low-income rural families. However, social support networks, usually extended family, can help mitigate hardship by providing emotional and financial support.
Infant health has improved among US poor despite worsening economic conditions, thanks to programs like Medicaid, WIC, and SNAP. These policies have helped reduce low-birth-weight babies and improve maternal health.
A review of recent economic research found that newborn health has improved nationally in recent years, with a decrease in low birth weight among disadvantaged mothers over the last 20 years. This improvement is attributed to increased public policies and programming aimed at improving prenatal and postnatal care.
Researchers at the University of Miami found that a one-point increase in high school GPA raises annual earnings by around 12% for men and 14% for women. The study also shows that African-Americans with high GPAs are more likely to graduate from college than their white counterparts.
A recent study found a significant correlation between US foreclosure crisis and rising suicide rates, especially among middle-aged adults. Foreclosures were found to affect not only individuals but also entire communities, exacerbating feelings of loss, shame, or regret.
Researchers analyzed data on nearly 3,000 hospitals from 2006 to 2011, finding that financially weak and safety-net hospitals struggled to recover from the recession. Despite rebounding by 2011, these institutions continue to face significant financial gaps with non-safety-net hospitals.
New prescription drugs are delayed in Canada due to pharmaceutical company submissions to Health Canada. The mean delay was 540 days for approved drugs submitted to the US and EU first.
A statistical modeling study projects almost all European countries will experience rising obesity rates by 2030, with the highest prevalence in females in Ireland. The study highlights the need for urgent policies to reverse this trend and prevent premature mortality and economic strain on healthcare systems.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that Massachusetts' comprehensive health reform in 2006 resulted in a 2.9% decrease in mortality rates compared to similar populations in states without expanded health coverage. The study estimates that the law has prevented approximately 320 deaths per year.
Researchers have discovered two new US turtle species, the Suwannee and Apalachicola alligator snapping turtles, which are found in the southeastern United States. These ancient reptiles were previously thought to be a single species, but genetic analysis reveals deep evolutionary divisions between them.
The Lancet Oncology publishes a major new Commission examining the challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia. The report highlights disparities in access to cancer care, poor quality of data collection, and barriers to improving cancer care related to social, economic, and environmental factors.
A new study by Dartmouth investigators finds Medicare's current risk-adjustment methodology is flawed and ineffective in adjusting for population differences. The researchers suggest using wealth and health indices as an alternative to explain regional mortality rates, outperforming the current diagnosis-based method.
A study found that primary care providers were capable of accepting new patients prior to the start of the Affordable Care Act coverage expansions, with median wait times under one week. However, Medicaid patients faced significant barriers, with only 58% of practices offering an appointment.
Research warns of a potential catastrophic epidemic in the Americas due to chikungunya's high transmission rates. The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring more people together, increasing the risk of disease spread.
Jean-Marc Kaufman receives prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on osteoporosis and ageing in men. He has advanced our understanding of sex steroids' regulation and action in health and disease.
The Ocean Health Index assesses ocean health across 10 categories, with Brazil scoring lowest in Natural Products and Food Provision. The index provides a framework for strategic management of ocean resources, with opportunities for improvement identified in various states.
Professor Cyrus Cooper has made significant contributions to the study of bone and mineral diseases, including pioneering clinical studies on peak bone mass and vitamin D insufficiency. His work has provided valuable insights into the risk factors for osteoporosis and hip fracture in late adulthood.
A large study of child growth patterns in 36 developing countries found that economic growth was associated with small or no declines in stunting, underweight, and wasting. Improvements in public services such as vaccinations and clean water may also lag behind growth in incomes.
A survey by USC researchers found that those who could benefit most from the Affordable Care Act, including low-income earners, are also the most uninformed about health care policies. The study showed that 42% of Americans couldn't describe a deductible and 62% didn't know the difference between HMO and PPO plans.
A new study published in JAMA Network found that the opening of a casino is associated with a lower rate of overweight children in the surrounding community. The study analyzed data from 117 school districts in California and found that every 1 casino slot per capita gained was linked to an increase in average per capita annual income,...
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has a profound impact on vulnerable Americans living with HIV/AIDS, significantly reducing the transmission of the disease and improving treatment outcomes. Early treatment initiation is crucial in preventing new cases and mortality, with estimated cost savings of $80 billion from 1996 to 2009.
Research finds that living in a socioeconomically deprived region increases the risk of diabetes and obesity, regardless of individual social status. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 people and found significant correlations between regional deprivation and type 2 diabetes and obesity rates.